Chia Energy Bars

By Cathy Ormon on 6 Aug 2013

These Energy Bars are loaded with vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber. Because of the balance of fiber and protein, they are low glycemic as well. The chia seeds contain antioxidants, which boost the body’s immune system. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

½ cup dried currants

½ cup dried mulberries

½ cup dried goji berries

½ cup dried golden berries

2 tablespoons raw cacao nibs

½ cup raw cashews

½ cup raw almonds or pecans

1 cup chopped raw walnuts

1 cup soft Medjool dates (about 7 large), pits removed

½ cup dry chia seeds

1/4 cup chia seed gel (chia seed hydrated in water)

optional: ground nuts (walnuts or almonds) to coat the energy bars

Directions:

Grind all ingredients together – except the dry chia seed – in a food processer until a dough has formed (it could take a couple minutes). Stop the machine and check the consistency: the dough should stick together easily when pinched between two fingers (so the bars won’t be crumbly). If the dough is too dry, add a small amount of chia seed gel – about 1 Tbsp at a time – and blend again until the dough reaches the desired stickiness.

Put the dough into a large bowl; sprinkle some of the dry chia seed on top and knead it into the dough. Knead more chia seed into the dough until it becomes a little less sticky – the consistency of roll out cookie dough. Place a large piece of parchment paper on the counter; put the dough on top and cover it with a second piece of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin and roll out the dough so it is a rectangle, about 1” thick. Remove the top parchment paper and cut into bars (about 10 or 12 bars). Store the bars in the refrigerator. Optional: if you find the bars too sticky, coat them in ground nuts (walnut or almonds).